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My main circuit breaker is located outside in the same box…

My main circuit breaker...

My main circuit breaker is located outside in the same box as the meter. My inside panel with all the circuit breakers has a space for a main 200amp circuit breaker, but does not have one due to the main being outside. I was wondering would it be ok to install a main breaker on the inside panel too so it can be more easily accessed.

Contractor's Assistant: How old is the system in question? And have you consulted an electrician yet?

14yrs and no have not consulted an electrician

Contractor's Assistant: Do you plan on doing the work yourself?

Possibly

Contractor's Assistant: Anything else we should know to help you best?

Hello my name is ***** ***** I will be happy to answer your home improvement or electrical question

1) Does the exterior meter box only contain a 200 amp main disconnect breaker but no other branch circuit breakers such as a double pole feeder breaker that may be feeding to the inside main lug panel?

In other words, are all of the individual branch circuit breakers for the home located on the interior main lug sub-panel?

2) Take a look at the interior main lug panel specs on the door and is it rated for and can accommodate a 200 amp main breaker?

Also note that the website may be sending you a telephone offer, the offer is not originating from me. Therefore, disregard the phone offer as it is only an option.

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Customer reply replied 2 months ago

The exterior box has a place for 6 breakers but only has one which feeds the inside panel. The inside is rated for 200 amps and has a place for a main breaker but it is empty.All the branch circuits are inside.

1) OK, if the interior is rated for and can accommodate a 200 amp main breaker, that is certainly code compliant.

2) The 200 amp breaker in the Milbank meter enclosure will be acting as the main means of disconnect to kill power to the interior sub-panel. And the 200 amp breaker in the interior sub-panel will of course be acting as the main over-current protection device for that panel as well as being able to kill power directly at the sub-panel.

Does that help to answer your question?

1) i assume that the exterior breaker in the Milbank is also 200 amps, is that correct?

OK, just wanted to make sure. Yes, you are good to go. Certainly code compliant.

1) I am located in the Chicago area and in recent years, many of the local codes are also requiring the homes to be installed with a main disconnect on the exterior meter enclosure. This is so the firefighters can immediately kill power to the home on the exterior in the event of a fire. This way, the firefighters no longer have to pull the meter to kill power. Much safer having an exterior breaker as the means of disconnect.

1) Yes, good idea. The Interlock kit will bolt onto the interior panel and positions 2 & 4 will have the double pole back-fed breaker from the generator. I've installed many Interlocks and they work great. You are on the right track....... good job:)

Thank you for the positive service rating............much appreciated!

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

Take care and have a great evening............Thanks again............Kevin:)

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